Floskaartjes 1789 - 1804

This print, titled "Floskaartjes," was made by Jan Termeulen Junior in Amsterdam. It depicts a variety of figures, each labeled with a title, representing a cross-section of 17th-century Dutch society. The print's visual codes and cultural references offer a glimpse into the hierarchical social structure of the time. From royalty and clergy to soldiers, merchants, and even Death himself, the artist presents a microcosm of Dutch life. Amsterdam, as a major center of trade and culture, was a melting pot of social classes. The inclusion of such figures surely speaks to the complex economic structures in place at the time. As art historians, we can delve deeper into understanding this artwork by exploring period documents, social histories, and institutional records. Termeulen's print serves as a testament to the power of art to reflect and comment on the social conditions that shaped its creation.